Wow, Auburn makes national news again.

OK, it's not exactly the type of story we are proud to inspire: the mayor and a city councilman turn a meeting into a WWF "Smackdown" event.

Every citizen carries personal baggage into elective office, but it's to be left at the door when business begins.

The schoolyard excuse "he started it" matters little to people already wary of politicians.

The mayor's secretary left her position abruptly and was given $3,000 for her silent departure.

In a legal atmosphere, this is "chicken feed."

When lawyers are allowed to sue for frivolous reasons, it doesn't take a fortune teller to see we are opening ourselves to a big fat future lawsuit.

Unfortunately, right and wrong take a back seat to "how much will this cost taxpayers?" The bottom line is, regardless of fault, the behavior of two city leaders could inspire legal action by a woman who preferred to remain in the shadows.

Councilor Dempsey is wrong for allowing his personal life to affect city business.

Mayor Lattimore is wrong for turning this into an open populist crusade.

The city is wrong for paying hush money.

We, as voters, are wrong for being distracted by antics and not scrutinizing our politicians' character more thoroughly.

Well, five wrongs don't make a right, so what are we to do about this?

I'm reluctant to call for resignations because elections are my preferred choice of action.

But if these politicians continue dragging us into their personal Jihad, then clearly something must be done, if only to save us money.

For you see, this is not about the cult of personality, or "who started it."

It's about professional behavior and lawsuits.

Dempsey is contrite (he should be) and Lattimore is not (he ought to be).

We as citizens should demand these two get back to business and allow adults to clean up their mess.

Though the damage may already be done, it's time for everybody to shut up and hold their breath we aren't sued.

Roger Hare's column appears each Tuesday.